DSP – CHINESE COLLABORATIONS UNDER CPEC

A delegation of Dairy Science Park led by the Chief Patron Prof M Subhan Qureshi, discussed scientific and business collaboration with St Fulin Group Co Ltd, China during the CPEC Summit 2016 held at Pak-China Friendship Center, Islamabad.

DSP envisions to support the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), northern Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan), and the adjoining Chinese regions through appropriate utilization of livestock resources for generating self-employment and hygienic food production. This would require logistic support like livestock slaughtering, meat processing, cold storage, and chilled transportation to the desired destinations in the local and international market.

DSP would register the selected farmers, processors, veterinary clinics, research and diagnostic labs, and development partners for standardizing and certifying the quality of materials and services. DSP Board of the Government of KP would provide financial and regulatory support to the partner organizations and the proposed University of Veterinary Innovations and Commercialization would provide research and academic support to the project.

The Senior Minister KP, Ex-Chief Minister KP/present Minister for Housing Government of Pakistan, and the Chairman Higher Education Commission of Pakistan have endorsed DSP and ensured their support in its implementation, as reflected in the DSP Society Profile, July 2016.

We appreciate St Fulin Group to the Chief Minister KP to establish science parks and investment plans. DSP offers its collaboration with St. Fulin Group. We would like to utilize Sino Pak International Logistics Complex in Tashkurgan County as a new mode international logistics service platform. We suggest establishment of a central facility at Peshawar (KP) and regional facilities at Gilgit. We would like to launch collaborative research with our local universities with Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences as per our letter of intent (attached), signed with Prof Gang Li.

Dairy Science Park would like to link the local livestock, especially the meat farmer and processors with the Chinese companies for trade of hygienic and halal certified mutton, beef, turkeys, and rabbit meat.

Pursuant to the discussion between delegation of Dairy Science Park and According to Daily Times, 16 September, 2016, a four-member mission of visited the Chief Minister’s office KP who referred them to Secretary Agriculture. The visiting group was disappointed with the behavior of the bureaucrats and considered the future of a potential Chinese investment worth millions of dollars in the field of Livestock and Dairy products in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as bleak after the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister recently declined the visiting Chinese investors, according to official sources.

Chinese representatives of Saint Fulin Group were said to have called on the Special Assistant for Livestock, Muhibullah Khan. However, his denial to sign the previously agreed-upon Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) withheld the deal at the eleventh hour. If signed, the agreement would have enabled the Chinese group to invest millions of dollars in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the field of Livestock and Dairy products development.

St Faulin Group spokesperson, Miss Echo, opined, “The official meeting at the Peshawar Secretariat was expected to go well as we hoped that everything was on course. However, instead of signing the MOU, the government special representative treated us in a very humiliating manner before calling the deal off.”

Interestingly, the group had managed to sign a similar MOU with the Provincial government of Punjab on Wednesday. Federal Minister for Food Security, Sikandar Hayat Bosan, was said to have signed the MOU, which would be implemented in Punjab under the supervision of Punjab Government Livestock department.

According to a source in the livestock department in Peshawar, the deal had largely failed because of vehement opposition of some bureaucrats, which included Deputy Secretary Agriculture, Shaukat Yousfzai; Additional Chief Secretary, Azam Khan and Secretary Agriculture, Jameel Ahmad. “They did not give any reason for canceling the agreement with the Chinese group against the wishes of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervaiz Khattak,” the source further added

He also believed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Pervaz Khattak, was, however, interested to avail Chinese investment for the province but the bureaucratic circles kept on declining these investment proposals every now and then.

St Faulin Group Public Relations Officer, Scarlet, noted that the officials had treated the Chinese investors in a highly impolite manner during the meeting. “The attitude of the special Assistant for Livestock was hostile with us, which greatly disappointed us as we wanted to invest in KP,” she maintained.

The group was said to have visited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as many as three times since 2014 when the provincial government had assured them regarding the agreement. However, it was still rejected without any clear reason, she added. “Our group was interested to invest in the breeding of the different cattle like donkeys, cows etc with modern technologies but unfortunately we have decided not to bring any more projects to KP as here attitude towards foreign investors is very strange,” the official asserted.

Dairy Science Park has been trying to renew the cooperation through visit of Prof Qureshi to Xi’an, Engr Irfan to Beijing and Mr Paracha to Tashkurgan County. A letter of intent has been signed with Chinese Acadamy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing for scientific, industrial and trade collaboration.

CPEC Summit 2017

DSP – Chinese Collaborations under CPEC

A delegation of Dairy Science Park led by the Chief Patron Prof M Subhan Qureshi, discussed scientific and business collaboration with St Fulin Group Co Ltd, China during the CPEC Summit 2016 held at Pak-China Friendship Center, Islamabad.

DSP envisions to support the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), northern Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan), and the adjoining Chinese regions through appropriate utilization of livestock resources for generating self-employment and hygienic food production. This would require logistic support like livestock slaughtering, meat processing, cold storage, and chilled transportation to the desired destinations in the local and international market.

DSP would register the selected farmers, processors, veterinary clinics, research and diagnostic labs, and development partners for standardizing and certifying the quality of materials and services. DSP Board of the Government of KP would provide financial and regulatory support to the partner organizations and the proposed University of Veterinary Innovations and Commercialization would provide research and academic support to the project.

The Senior Minister KP, Ex-Chief Minister KP/present Minister for Housing Government of Pakistan, and the Chairman Higher Education Commission of Pakistan have endorsed DSP and ensured their support in its implementation, as reflected in the DSP Society Profile, July 2016.

We appreciate St Fulin Group to the Chief Minister KP to establish science parks and investment plans. DSP offers its collaboration with St. Fulin Group. We would like to utilize Sino Pak International Logistics Complex in Tashkurgan County as a new mode international logistics service platform. We suggest establishment of a central facility at Peshawar (KP) and regional facilities at Gilgit. We would like to launch collaborative research with our local universities with Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences as per our letter of intent (attached), signed with Prof Gang Li.

Dairy Science Park would like to link the local livestock, especially the meat farmer and processors with the Chinese companies for trade of hygienic and halal certified mutton, beef, turkeys, and rabbit meat.

Pursuant to the discussion between delegation of Dairy Science Park and According to Daily Times, 16 September, 2016, a four-member mission of visited the Chief Minister’s office KP who referred them to Secretary Agriculture. The visiting group was disappointed with the behavior of the bureaucrats and considered the future of a potential Chinese investment worth millions of dollars in the field of Livestock and Dairy products in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as bleak after the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister recently declined the visiting Chinese investors, according to official sources.

Chinese representatives of Saint Fulin Group were said to have called on the Special Assistant for Livestock, Muhibullah Khan. However, his denial to sign the previously agreed-upon Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) withheld the deal at the eleventh hour. If signed, the agreement would have enabled the Chinese group to invest millions of dollars in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the field of Livestock and Dairy products development.

St Faulin Group spokesperson, Miss Echo, opined, “The official meeting at the Peshawar Secretariat was expected to go well as we hoped that everything was on course. However, instead of signing the MOU, the government special representative treated us in a very humiliating manner before calling the deal off.”

Interestingly, the group had managed to sign a similar MOU with the Provincial government of Punjab on Wednesday. Federal Minister for Food Security, Sikandar Hayat Bosan, was said to have signed the MOU, which would be implemented in Punjab under the supervision of Punjab Government Livestock department.

According to a source in the livestock department in Peshawar, the deal had largely failed because of vehement opposition of some bureaucrats, which included Deputy Secretary Agriculture, Shaukat Yousfzai; Additional Chief Secretary, Azam Khan and Secretary Agriculture, Jameel Ahmad. “They did not give any reason for canceling the agreement with the Chinese group against the wishes of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervaiz Khattak,” the source further added

He also believed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Pervaz Khattak, was, however, interested to avail Chinese investment for the province but the bureaucratic circles kept on declining these investment proposals every now and then.

St Faulin Group Public Relations Officer, Scarlet, noted that the officials had treated the Chinese investors in a highly impolite manner during the meeting. “The attitude of the special Assistant for Livestock was hostile with us, which greatly disappointed us as we wanted to invest in KP,” she maintained.

The group was said to have visited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as many as three times since 2014 when the provincial government had assured them regarding the agreement. However, it was still rejected without any clear reason, she added. “Our group was interested to invest in the breeding of the different cattle like donkeys, cows etc with modern technologies but unfortunately we have decided not to bring any more projects to KP as here attitude towards foreign investors is very strange,” the official asserted.

Dairy Science Park has been trying to renew the cooperation through visit of Prof Qureshi to Xi’an, Engr Irfan to Beijing and Mr Paracha to Tashkurgan County. A letter of intent has been signed with Chinese Acadamy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing for scientific, industrial and trade collaboration.

Pursuant to presentation of Mr Asad Ansari, KPESDMC, Prof M Subhan Qureshi suggested that the activities of KPEZDMC may be tailored with the applied research generated in the 32 universities of public and private sector in the province. This would help productive utilization of the natural resources available in the province. On the other hand the actions plan of KPEZDMC may be devised in a manner to absorb the huge skilled manpower graduating from the universities on annual basis. For this purpose an Academia-Industry Advisory Group may be established for providing guidelines for the KPEZDMC action plans.

Prof Qureshi referred to the collaboration of Dairy Science Park (DSP) and Women University Mardan (WUM), which can be utilized for developing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Rashakai under CPEC, with special focus on entrepreneurship development. The Chair agreed with the proposal.

Collaboration among DSP, WUM and KPEZDMC may be established with special focus on establishing Special Economic Zone Rashakai under CPEC and implementing the MoU signed between Malaysian authorities and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Prof M Subhan Qureshi made a PowerPoint presentation on establishment of Mardan TechnoPark in continuation to developments made under the DSP. DSP has been registered with the provincial government under Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, authorizing it to sign MoUs with the relevant Departments for the projects. DSP has successfully held a series of international conferences and industrial exhibitions during November 2011, 2013 and 2015 at Peshawar and during November 2017 at Konya, Turkey, attended by 50+ Pakistani participants in addition to others from academicians and business communities in Turkey and other countries. Five International consultations were made with Sandia National Laboratories USA at Amsterdam, Dubai, Bangkok, Phuket and Colombo and a Biorisk Management (BRM) Curriculum was developed for life science degrees in various universities of Pakistan. Eight universities of the county, SMEDA and other organizations participated in the process. Mr Muzafar Said, Finance Minister and Mr Arif Yousaf, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister (Law) have been supervising these activities.

The Senior Minister, Local Government, Election and Rural Development Department chaired a lengthy meeting with the representatives of University of Agriculture Peshawar and private sector on 3-3-2016 wherein he agreed to the proposal of DSP on implementation of ADP project for establishing a Modern Slaughter House. Consequently, a summary for the Chief Secretary / Honorable Chief Minister for approval, was initiated. The same was supported by Additional Chief Secretary with remarks that the subject issue relates to Agriculture Department, so it was forwarded to them. However, it was returned by the Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperative Department with the following remarks: “The Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperative Department does not support the proposal of the Local Government Department”. A note was submitted by the Senior Minister via diary number 66 dated 1-8-2017 for issuance of directive to the Agriculture Department for constitution of Task Force on DSP. The Chief Minister marked the case to Secretary Agriculture for necessary action. However, notification of the Task Force is still awaited.

As DSP has proposed academia-industry linkages for entrepreneurship development, Biorisk management and production of Halal and hygienic food for local consumption and export, the issue relates to a number of departments and private sector organizations. The Vice Chancellor Women University Mardan has already attended the consultative process at Colombo and Konya and have signed MoU with DSP for BRM and Entrepreneurship Development. She has suggested allocation of 20 Kanal university land for TechnoPark Mardan under the collaboration.

Task Force on Dairy Science Park may be notified by Planning and Development Department. The Task Force on DSP would also oversee establishment of Mardan/Swat TechnoParks.

During presentation of Small Industries Development Board the house noted that the Board needs reforms for improving its capacity and responding to the issues faced by the provincial economy.

It was suggested that an MoU may be signed between SIDB, WUM and DSP for bringing reforms into the SIDB function as a model of Academia-Industry Linkages.

Governor endorsed Quetta TechnoPark and DSP Balochistan

A team of Dairy Science Park comprising Prof M Subhan Qureshi, Chief Patron DSP, University of Agriculture, Peshawar; Dr M AzamKakar, Director World Bank Quetta and MrShakoor Ahmad, Provincial Chief SMEDA (Baluchistan), called on the Governor Balochistan, Mr Muhammad Khan Achakzai, in his office. The Governor was briefed on launching of the Balochistan Chapter of Dairy Science Park, Peshawar and was invited to attend the Fourth International Conference and Industrial Exhibition of DSP at Konya, Turkey to be held on November 1-5, 2017. The Governor appreciated the mission and considered it as an important tool for the welfare of the people of Balochistan. He showed keen interest in the development activities going on in the two provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

The Governor advised for development of the livestock and horticultural resources of the province and predicted that Balochistan may become a regional hub for food production and trade across the food value chain. He emphasized on the need for appropriate planning and productive utilization of the resources for getting the due benefits for welfare of the people. DSP delegation informed the Governor about their efforts to establish a linkage between the academia, private sector, government departments and development organizationsunder the Dairy Science Park. The Governor especially appreciated the international linkages established under DSP and welcomed establishment of Quetta TechnoPark with Turkish collaboration. The Governor extended maximum support of the provincial and federal government for making the TechnoPark a success story in the Region.

The delegation earlier visited Balochistan Rural Support Program (BRSP), on invitation of Nadir GulBarech, CEO. The visit was facilitated by MrNaimatullah, Senior Manager and Mr Muhammad SirajulHaqGhori Program Advisor. A powerpoint presentation was displayed. The program has attracted European Union support worth US$ 26 million, which is commendable. BRSP has made its presence in 25 districts and 211 union councils of the province. BRDCEP, human and institutional development, microfinance, enterprise development, physical infrastructural and technology development, livelihood and IT programs are commendable. These programs have covered 354,000 households in the province, covering 25% of the provincial population. The progress was commended by the visiting DSP delegates, comprising Prof M Subhan Qureshi, Dr Azam Kakar and Mr Shakoor Ahmad SMEDA.

Prof Qureshi desired that the community linkages developed by BRSP may be utilized by DSP through technology development and transfer through ORIC offices of the Universities; developing business models through SMEDA and export of Halal food through Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries. BRSP would get representation in the form of a member in the Board of Governors DSP-Balochistan Chapter.

The Vice Chancellor Baluchistan University, Prof Dr Javed Iqbal was called in office. He was informed about establishment of Dairy Science Park and its mission of academia industry linkages; launching of DSP Baluchistan Chapter and establishment of Quetta TechnoPark with the Turkish Assistance during DSP 2017 at Konya, Turkey. Quetta TechnoPark would be hosted by Baluchistan University with assistant form BUITMS, SBKWU, BRSP and SMEDA as a project of Dairy Science Park. The Vice Chancellor agreed on being part of DSP Baluchistan Chapter and TehchnoPark. He agreed on including entrepreneurship development, Quality Control and Traceability in the food value chain, through participation of ORIC/CASVAB. He wished to participate in DSP Konya and nominated Dr Waheed Noor, Dr Saadullah Jan and Dr Kaleemullah for participation in the same. He also agreed on hosting 6th DSP – 2021 at the University of Baluchistan.

A visit was made to Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Quetta (BCCI). The members were facing big problems like transfer of money from or to Balochistan through formal channels in foreign currency. Dry and wet fruit are produced in huge quantity and their export has got a big potential in the province; however, getting an export license is almost impossible for the local traders. Sheep and goats in the province provide a big opportunity to the province to enter into international Halal meat market. Quarantine facilities need to be established at appropriate places along the boards with Iran and Afghanistan. Security issues in the region need to be handled seriously for promoting productivity through entrepreneurship development and support through quality control, processing facilities and export. Electronic Form-E/Manual Form-E is a requirement for exports taking place through One Customs, manual Form-E is being issued by Authorized Dealers at the request of exporters as per existing instructions. However, the members of BCCI/QCCI were not satisfied with the process and complained that Baluchistan has been declared red zone, regarding economic development.

It was recommended that Economic Zones may be developed in the province. Processing and cold storage/transportation facilitates may be established for food items like meat, milk, eggs, dry fruits and vegetables to support the indigenous food value chain. The rules and regulations need drastic reforms to create an enabling environment for utilizing the indigenous resources in an excellent manner.Prof Qureshi invited the members of BCCI to participate in the DSP 2017 – Turkeyand contribute in establishment of Quetta TechnoPark (QTP), to be established by the Dairy Science Park Baluchistan Chapter in collaboration with the local and international organizations, The PTFP would be able to develop entrepreneurship across food value chain for production of Halal and hygienic food for domestic market and export. The plan was endorsed by the members.

The DSP delegation visited Sardar Bahadar Khan Women University (SBKWU), Quetta, Prof Dr Rukhsana Jabeen welcomed the delegates and introduced the University, renowned for the quality of its teaching and learning, and for its commitment to engaging with society’s challenges through research and active citizenship, especially women. Prof Jabeen was enthusiastic in training the qualified women in entrepreneurship development in food value chain, especially feed production, poultry farming and fruits processing. The DSP delegates desired active participation of the ORIC office and Business Incubation Center of the University to participate in the DSP-Balochistan Chapter and Quetta TechnoPark.

BUITMS was visited by the DSP delegates, facilitated by Prof Muhammad NaeemShahwani, Director Office for Research on Innovations and Commercialization. ORIC is facilitating researchers/Engineers/Scientists for the commercialization of their research products. A discussion was held with the Dean Faculty of Life Sciences and Informatics, Prof Jamil Ahmad and faculty members. The Faculty comprises Departments of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Environmental Science. The Faculty is focusing on diversified life at chemical, molecular/cellular levels and understanding the mechanisms contributing in diversity in structures/functions of organisms.Application of the acquired knowledge of technological procedures in agriculture,health,industry & environment is another focus area of the Faculty. Prof Qureshi suggested establishment of a Department of Food Technology and Entrepreneurship to support the indigenous livestock and horticultural production regarding quality control, food processing and packaging. It was recommended that BUITMS would participate in the DSP Balochistan Chapter/Quetta TechnoPark as member Board of Governors.

A visit was made by DSP delegation to Center of Advanced Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology (CASVAB), University of Baluchistan Quetta, facilitated by Dr Saadullah Jan. Prof Qureshi made a powerpoint presentation on the history, achievements and future vision of Dairy Science Park. The faculty members showed keen interest in the current challenges to livestock sector and scope for development of livestock resources with special emphasis on medium sized entrepreneurship development and establishment of corporate structures form food processing and export. Prof Qureshi endorsed the suggestion that potential areas may be identified for medium sized farming at state land and support for commercialization under the Quetta TechnoPark. The offer of CASVAB for improving quality of vaccines and its marketing at local commercial farms and export was endorsed.

Office of the provincial SMEDA was visited. Shakoor Ahmad provincial Chief arranged the meeting with cooperation of Dr Azam Kakar and both of them participated in the discussion to support development of the private sector and enable the province for competitive growth under the upcoming CPEC scenario. Prof Qureshi appreciated role of the SMEDA in supporting the local business community and desired their leading role in coordination with the academia, government and industry under the Baluchistan Chapter of Dairy Science Park.

Pakistan Television – TV Bolan arranged a one-hour discussion on the birth of the Dairy Science Park at UA Peshawar, launching of its Baluchistan Chapter, expected support to the indigenous resources of Balochistan and establishment of Quetta TechnoPark. Dr Eissa Khan, the anchorperson was keen in exploring the entrepreneurship development in food value chain and questions by rural farmers were answered by the DSP delegates.

Dr Muhammad Azam Kakar was hopeful that with the blessing of All Mighty Allah we will do our best efforts for the success and prosperity of the people of this un-privileged province of Pakistan. Prof M Subhan Qureshi mentioned the Baluchistan Chapter of Dairy Science Park asan open agenda and every individual and organization was invited to join us at any stage. He commended the hospitality, warm welcome and support of the Governor Baluchistan, Vice Chancellor BU, SBKWU, senior faculty of BUITMS, president BCCI, CEO BRSP, Director CASVAB,Chief SMEDA to DSP and prayed for success of the mission as a landmark in the history in the form of Quetta TechnoPark.

A team of Dairy Science Park comprising Prof M Subhan Qureshi, Chief Patron DSP, University of Agriculture, Peshawar; Dr M AzamKakar, Director World Bank Quetta and MrShakoor Ahmad, Provincial Chief SMEDA (Baluchistan), called on the Governor Balochistan, Mr Muhammad Khan Achakzai, in his office. The Governor was briefed on launching of the Balochistan Chapter of Dairy Science Park, Peshawar and was invited to attend the Fourth International Conference and Industrial Exhibition of DSP at Konya, Turkey to be held on November 1-5, 2017. The Governor appreciated the mission and considered it as an important tool for the welfare of the people of Balochistan. He showed keen interest in the development activities going on in the two provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

The Governor advised for development of the livestock and horticultural resources of the province and predicted that Balochistan may become a regional hub for food production and trade across the food value chain. He emphasized on the need for appropriate planning and productive utilization of the resources for getting the due benefits for welfare of the people. DSP delegation informed the Governor about their efforts to establish a linkage between the academia, private sector, government departments and development organizationsunder the Dairy Science Park. The Governor especially appreciated the international linkages established under DSP and welcomed establishment of Quetta TechnoPark with Turkish collaboration. The Governor extended maximum support of the provincial and federal government for making the TechnoPark a success story in the Region.

The delegation earlier visited Balochistan Rural Support Program (BRSP), on invitation of Nadir GulBarech, CEO. The visit was facilitated by MrNaimatullah, Senior Manager and Mr Muhammad SirajulHaqGhori Program Advisor. A powerpoint presentation was displayed. The program has attracted European Union support worth US$ 26 million, which is commendable. BRSP has made its presence in 25 districts and 211 union councils of the province. BRDCEP, human and institutional development, microfinance, enterprise development, physical infrastructural and technology development, livelihood and IT programs are commendable. These programs have covered 354,000 households in the province, covering 25% of the provincial population. The progress was commended by the visiting DSP delegates, comprising Prof M Subhan Qureshi, Dr Azam Kakar and Mr Shakoor Ahmad SMEDA.

Prof Qureshi desired that the community linkages developed by BRSP may be utilized by DSP through technology development and transfer through ORIC offices of the Universities; developing business models through SMEDA and export of Halal food through Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries. BRSP would get representation in the form of a member in the Board of Governors DSP-Balochistan Chapter.

The Vice Chancellor Baluchistan University, Prof Dr Javed Iqbal was called in office. He was informed about establishment of Dairy Science Park and its mission of academia industry linkages; launching of DSP Baluchistan Chapter and establishment of Quetta TechnoPark with the Turkish Assistance during DSP 2017 at Konya, Turkey. Quetta TechnoPark would be hosted by Baluchistan University with assistant form BUITMS, SBKWU, BRSP and SMEDA as a project of Dairy Science Park. The Vice Chancellor agreed on being part of DSP Baluchistan Chapter and TehchnoPark. He agreed on including entrepreneurship development, Quality Control and Traceability in the food value chain, through participation of ORIC/CASVAB. He wished to participate in DSP Konya and nominated Dr Waheed Noor, Dr Saadullah Jan and Dr Kaleemullah for participation in the same. He also agreed on hosting 6th DSP – 2021 at the University of Baluchistan.

A visit was made to Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Quetta (BCCI). The members were facing big problems like transfer of money from or to Balochistan through formal channels in foreign currency. Dry and wet fruit are produced in huge quantity and their export has got a big potential in the province; however, getting an export license is almost impossible for the local traders. Sheep and goats in the province provide a big opportunity to the province to enter into international Halal meat market. Quarantine facilities need to be established at appropriate places along the boards with Iran and Afghanistan. Security issues in the region need to be handled seriously for promoting productivity through entrepreneurship development and support through quality control, processing facilities and export. Electronic Form-E/Manual Form-E is a requirement for exports taking place through One Customs, manual Form-E is being issued by Authorized Dealers at the request of exporters as per existing instructions. However, the members of BCCI/QCCI were not satisfied with the process and complained that Baluchistan has been declared red zone, regarding economic development.

It was recommended that Economic Zones may be developed in the province. Processing and cold storage/transportation facilitates may be established for food items like meat, milk, eggs, dry fruits and vegetables to support the indigenous food value chain. The rules and regulations need drastic reforms to create an enabling environment for utilizing the indigenous resources in an excellent manner.Prof Qureshi invited the members of BCCI to participate in the DSP 2017 – Turkeyand contribute in establishment of Quetta TechnoPark (QTP), to be established by the Dairy Science Park Baluchistan Chapter in collaboration with the local and international organizations, The PTFP would be able to develop entrepreneurship across food value chain for production of Halal and hygienic food for domestic market and export. The plan was endorsed by the members.

The DSP delegation visited Sardar Bahadar Khan Women University (SBKWU), Quetta, Prof Dr Rukhsana Jabeen welcomed the delegates and introduced the University, renowned for the quality of its teaching and learning, and for its commitment to engaging with society’s challenges through research and active citizenship, especially women. Prof Jabeen was enthusiastic in training the qualified women in entrepreneurship development in food value chain, especially feed production, poultry farming and fruits processing. The DSP delegates desired active participation of the ORIC office and Business Incubation Center of the University to participate in the DSP-Balochistan Chapter and Quetta TechnoPark.

BUITMS was visited by the DSP delegates, facilitated by Prof Muhammad NaeemShahwani, Director Office for Research on Innovations and Commercialization. ORIC is facilitating researchers/Engineers/Scientists for the commercialization of their research products. A discussion was held with the Dean Faculty of Life Sciences and Informatics, Prof Jamil Ahmad and faculty members. The Faculty comprises Departments of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Environmental Science. The Faculty is focusing on diversified life at chemical, molecular/cellular levels and understanding the mechanisms contributing in diversity in structures/functions of organisms.Application of the acquired knowledge of technological procedures in agriculture,health,industry & environment is another focus area of the Faculty. Prof Qureshi suggested establishment of a Department of Food Technology and Entrepreneurship to support the indigenous livestock and horticultural production regarding quality control, food processing and packaging. It was recommended that BUITMS would participate in the DSP Balochistan Chapter/Quetta TechnoPark as member Board of Governors.

A visit was made by DSP delegation to Center of Advanced Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology (CASVAB), University of Baluchistan Quetta, facilitated by Dr Saadullah Jan. Prof Qureshi made a powerpoint presentation on the history, achievements and future vision of Dairy Science Park. The faculty members showed keen interest in the current challenges to livestock sector and scope for development of livestock resources with special emphasis on medium sized entrepreneurship development and establishment of corporate structures form food processing and export. Prof Qureshi endorsed the suggestion that potential areas may be identified for medium sized farming at state land and support for commercialization under the Quetta TechnoPark. The offer of CASVAB for improving quality of vaccines and its marketing at local commercial farms and export was endorsed.

Office of the provincial SMEDA was visited. Shakoor Ahmad provincial Chief arranged the meeting with cooperation of Dr Azam Kakar and both of them participated in the discussion to support development of the private sector and enable the province for competitive growth under the upcoming CPEC scenario. Prof Qureshi appreciated role of the SMEDA in supporting the local business community and desired their leading role in coordination with the academia, government and industry under the Baluchistan Chapter of Dairy Science Park.

Pakistan Television – TV Bolan arranged a one-hour discussion on the birth of the Dairy Science Park at UA Peshawar, launching of its Baluchistan Chapter, expected support to the indigenous resources of Balochistan and establishment of Quetta TechnoPark. Dr Eissa Khan, the anchorperson was keen in exploring the entrepreneurship development in food value chain and questions by rural farmers were answered by the DSP delegates.

Dr Muhammad Azam Kakar was hopeful that with the blessing of All Mighty Allah we will do our best efforts for the success and prosperity of the people of this un-privileged province of Pakistan. Prof M Subhan Qureshi mentioned the Baluchistan Chapter of Dairy Science Park asan open agenda and every individual and organization was invited to join us at any stage. He commended the hospitality, warm welcome and support of the Governor Baluchistan, Vice Chancellor BU, SBKWU, senior faculty of BUITMS, president BCCI, CEO BRSP, Director CASVAB,Chief SMEDA to DSP and prayed for success of the mission as a landmark in the history in the form of Quetta TechnoPark.

Mr Muhammad Luqman DG SDU Government of KP, Dr Khalid Khan Additional Secretary HED and Prof Zahoor Swati Vice Chancellor UAP could not get NOC for the visit although the Chief Minister advised the relevant department for the same. The Minister Finance took serious notice of the non-issuance of NOC to the delegates and promise to look into the issue on return to Peshawar. Mr Kamran Khan Secretary DSP and Mr Malik Niaz Ex-President KPCCI could not participate due to their business engagements.

The Workshop was a follow-up program for establishing a Center of Excellence for Biorisk Management, proposed during Pakistan Biorisk Management Curriculum Development Workshops held at Dubai and Bangkok in April/November 2016. It was anticipated that the University of Agriculture Peshawar will be the leader in the region for developing and integrating biorisk management into existing university courses, creating courses in biorisk management, developing quality standards and protocols, and will subsequently provide guidance to other universities and colleges in the region. The present workshop was focused on involving the top policy makers of the province in consultation on various aspects of Biorisk Management so the concepts could be integrated into policies, development plans and projects for future funding.

The workshop was sponsored by Sandia National Labs, USA as the fourth event of its kind. On the first day, the registration of participants and opening remarks were followed by an overview of the previous collaboration between the Dairy Science Park and Sandia National Laboratories regarding Biorisk Management were explained by Dr Melissa Finley and Dr Iris Shurdhi. The International Biological and Chemical Threat Reduction (IBCTR) Program was reviewed. The knowledge and skills to effectively design, implement, and evaluate a curriculum were reviewed. Curriculum development steps and the application of brain-friendly teaching approach with integrated teaching styles were presented.

Prof Qureshi informed that KP Food Safety Authority has been established under an Act of the Parliament. It was suggested that: i) Dairy Science Park would train Food Safety Officers and develop quality and Halal standards with the cooperation of development partners like SNL, KMU and others. Diagnostic kits will be diseases for detection of pathogens and toxins and Halal quality. A development project may be sponsored by the provincial government for this purpose. The provincial government is considering establishment of a Dairy Science Park Task Force (DTF) to take care of interests of the producers, processors, consumers and service providers through various ministries. ii) An earlier notification of the (DTF) was recommended.

Mr Arif Yousaf that an SDGs Task Force (STF) has been established at the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Cell comprises MPAs, headed by Mr Arif Yousaf. A Sustainable Development Unit has been established at the Planning and Development Department,

Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, monitoring progress of the administrative departments on implementation of the SDGs. The STF has notified the Fourth International Conference and Industrial Exhibition at Konya Turkey on November 1-5, 2017 and will pursue its successful arrangements at the public and private sectors. Prof Qureshi recommended that: iii) the STF must review the provincial priorities under SDGs and the sectoral policies and development plans must be tailored with the SDGs priorities; iv) The STF comprising parliamentarians must be supported by a group of technocrats to identify peoples issues related to SDGs and suggested intervention strategies related to food safety, food security and youth entrepreneurship as covered under SDGs number 2, 3 8; accepted by the United Nations as #SDGAction9671 initiated by DSP.

Mr Nasir Shah presented his paper on “Higher Education Commission: Challenges and Opportunities”. He appreciated the Chinese assistance to Pakistan under CPEC and the US assistance under Knowledge Corridor. He highlighted the suffering of the tribal people in FATA due to the global war on terror. He suggested: v) establishment of community colleges under FATA-University with the collaboration of DSP, to develop capacity of the people for utilizing indigenous resources for poverty alleviation, hygienic food production and youth employment. vi) Dr Azam Kakar from World Bank Quetta suggested establishment of Baluchistan Chapter of DSP to develop livestock resources, especially the sheep population on commercial basis. It was suggested that the local resources in KP and Baluchistan need to get developed through special economic zones, based upon availability of the local livestock, poultry and wildlife populations. The Higher Education Commission has introduced the tools of ORIC offices and Business Incubation Centers at various universities, which will be fully utilized by DSP through partner universities and the private sector.

The Finance Minister showed his dissatisfaction over performance of Higher Education Regulatory Authority (HERA) KP and Mr Nasir assured him of his support: vi) to bring reforms into the structure and function of HERA in public interest. Prof M Subhan Qureshi suggested for utilizing resources of KP Board of Investment and Trade to support the small businesses engaged with food production in reducing cost of production and improving products quality. The performance of various department need to be reviewed through a questionnaire to be monitored by the Finance Minister.

Mr Nasir highlighted the flow of animals across the Pak-Afghan boarders and the risk to the security personnel while handling such people and animals. It was recommended that: vii) the security personnel may be trained in biorisk management so that their health could be protected and good practices could be introduced at the international boarders for protecting health of animals and the people. In addition the capacity of the laboratories may be enhanced to handle forensic samples. It was recommended that: viii) a Center of Excellence on Biorisk Management (CE-BRM) will CE-BRM will work on development standards and imparting training to the biomedical workers and related professional groups in biosafety and biosecurity. CE-BRM will be established at Peshawar to be jointly managed by various partner universities of DSP.

On the second day, Ms Iris presented IBCTR overview – Global Biorisk Management Curriculum (GBRMC), mainly based upon biosafety and biosecutiry concerns. Lab certification was considered as an important tool to respond to the challenges in the field. It was suggested that: ix) the personnel trained under the SNL-DSP collaboration would be registered as alumni and the provincial government will implement the good practices in biorisk management at various points of the food value chain, as a part of KP DSP Act of the provincial Assembly.

Ms Iris highlighted the importance of Assessment, Mitigation and Performance (AMP) approach of SNL and recommended: x) upgradation of the biological laboratories into BSL-2 and 3. Eating dinosaur at the right time was the basis of responding to the BRM challenges. Prof Qureshi pointed out to the recently promulgated KP Food Safety Act and recommended for: xi) revision of KP Food Safety Authority Act 2014 in light of the BRM and entrepreneurship challenges in the food value chain, with support of the academia-industry partnership.

Dr Zia KMU and Dr Umer UAP presented the course outlines approved by the respective bodies of the universities to accommodate BRM related curricula. Dr Sher Bahadar will prepare the final draft to be shared with SNL before implementation at the Universities. It was suggested that: xii) DSP will coordinate to accommodate these courses at provincial and national levels under the umbrella of HEC.

At the concluding session, Mr Arif Yousaf commended the efforts of DSP and Sandia National Labs in joining hands to respond to the biorisk management challenges which threaten both public and animal health, and income generation of the poor families in the region, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Mr Yousaf referred to the guidelines provided by the Chairman of the ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Mr Imran Khan, to involve the youth in productive activities and to utilize their educational qualifications and professional skills in promoting economic activities in the region. Legislation has been made regarding access to information, police reforms, and improvement in primary, secondary, and tertiary education and the local government system.

The Finance Minister appreciated the collaborative efforts of the SNL and DSP in forwarding the agenda of BRM in the interest of the people of KP and FATA. He ensured support of his ministry in allocating fund for these specific activities. The scope of Dairy Science Park for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, comprising Food Secutiry, Food Safety and Economic Empowerment of the people will be supported by the provincial government in light of recommendations of this forum. He acknowledged support of the SNL team and the United States government for their support to provide solutions for our local issues. He assured his participation in the upcoming consultation of SNL-DSP collaboration and wished to participate in the upcoming event in Malaysia.

A society emerged at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, registered under Societies’ Registration Act XXI of 1860, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa supporting self employment and hygienic food production in partnership with UN SDGs (Requirements: The Senior Minister LG committed constitution of Task Force and a Grant of Rs.50 million to demonstrate commercialization models and prepare act for DSP Board).

DSP Board (Development Component)

Establishment of a Dairy Science Park Board has been agreed by the provincial government, for developing the province as a Halal Meat Export Base utilizing the manpower, research and development institutions and unutilized/under-utilized public and private assets through PPP, DSP Veterinary Clinics and Marketing Centers, Agri-Marts, franchise developments, commercial companies, etc. Requirement for the Authority comprise: i. KP DSPA Act; ii. Endowment Fund Rs.250 million. A Task Force has been agreed by the Senior Minister Local Government and directed for initiation of a Summary for Approval of the Chief Minister KP. The following guidelines have been provided:

Principles

The Board will be established as a symbol of hope for the people of KP and the adjoining regions of FATA and Afghanistan.

The Board will ensure productive utilization of the human resource and material assets in the best interest of the province and the region through partnership with the public and private sector organizations and individuals.

The Board will be a regulatory, financial, development and marketing authority supporting commercialization of livestock and allied sectors in KP.

The Board will work on the basis of self reliance and no repeated funds will be requested for routine operational activities; however, for introduction of special packages and campaigns grants and donations will be accepted.

Selection and promotion of staff and fixation of salary will be made on performance basis.

Sales and purchases will be made through local committees and advertisements in the printed and electronic media; local and international; and quality of materials will be preferred for purchases.

Performance audits will be preferred over fiscal audit and liberty will be provided to local committees in financial transactions to avoid unnecessary delays.

Endowment Fund will be utilized up to maximum to support establishment of new entrepreneurs, improvement of existing entrepreneurs, establishment of common facilities centers and launching of feasible and innovative investment models.

Information Technologies, business administration, material engineering; environment sciences, satellite information system, etc, will be integrated into the Board’s functioning using the national and international linkages.

Technical, administrative and financial progress of the Board will be reported monthly and a toll free telephone number will be publicized widely to get advice and inputs from the masses and complaints for any irregularity, for the purpose of transparency and accountability.

Members and staff of the Board will work like a family with equal respect and working space for all.

Awareness campaigns will be held widely to reach the target groups and get them engaged with Dairy Science Park network for participating in the provincial development agenda.

Strategic Vision

Developing SOPs for producers, processors, marketing partners and service providers and certification for quality assurance

Introducing innovations like biogas, solar water pumps, good practices and traceability in the medium sized livestock and poultry farms registered with DSPS through Business Facilitation Centers in the private and public sectors

Price of the products of the registered farms will be fixed for the registered farmers in consultation with the price regulating committee of the DSPB

Financial, technical and marketing support to the youth for self-employment

Facilitation of Corporate and Development Partners of DSPS in horizontal and vertical expansion of business activities

Introduction of Agri-Marts, and a chain of restaurants linked with the registered farmers

Establishment of livestock and poultry breeding farms in partnership with the public or private organizations/individuals

Training of entrepreneurs, farm/industry workers, scientists

ISO certification of producers, processors and service providers through DSPS Panel of Experts and Development Partners

Financial support to the registered members through Islamic leasing, Mudaraba and Takaful

Fund to support various livestock and poultry development activities including training, market research, upfront procurement for sale to the dairy farmers or dairy industry of containers, coolers, instant chillers, liquid nitrogen flasks and other equipment; to support innovations, the development and promotion of farm products, consumption and export of farm products

University of Veterinary Innovations and Commercialization (UVIC, Academic Component)

Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences (FAHVS), the University of Agriculture Peshawar will be upgraded to UVIC to promote industrial research, quality control, entrepreneurship development, Halal certification, and legislative support to the entrepreneurs. Logistic support will be provided to the DSP Society and DSP Board.

Research priorities

Integration of the teaching and research with the sectoral issues, emerging challenges and needs of the stakeholders

Development of quality control and certification standards for medium-sized entrepreneurs engaged in livestock and poultry production, processing and marketing; farmers’ groups; exporters and corporate sector

Establishment and collaboration with reference laboratories for quality control and certification of medium sized entrepreneurs, farmers’ groups, exporters and corporate sector

Integrating environmental, ethical and public health concerns into the livestock food value chain

Introducing innovations like biogas, solar water pumps, good practices and traceability in the medium sized livestock and poultry entrepreneurs

Analyzing financial, technical and marketing issues in livestock and poultry production practices

Studies on cost-effectiveness of livestock and poultry entrepreneurship

Creating a database of Corporate and Development Partners of DSPS for horizontal and vertical expansion in livestock and poultry entrepreneurship

Analysis of issues faced by livestock and poultry breeding farms in partnership with the public or private organizations/individuals

Studies on legislative barriers faced by the producers, service providers and consumers of livestock and poultry products

Studies on the status and identifying success stories in financing of livestock and poultry entrepreneurship under the Islamic perspectives

Monitoring and facilitating the developments made under the Dairy Science Park through local government and other sponsors

Structural reforms

The existing Faculty (FAHVS) will be split into two Faculties of: i) Veterinary Sciences and: ii) Animal Production Sciences and a third; iii) Faculty of Dairy Science Park will be created as follows:

Faculty of Veterinary Sciences

Institute of Biosciences Sciences: The existing disciplines and resources available for teaching and research in Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry; these facilities would be strengthened for educating the students on the basics of animal production, health care and stress factors hitting these two parameters.

Institute of Pre-Clinical Sciences: The existing disciplines and resources available for teaching and research in Pharmacology, Microbiology, Pathology and Parasitology; these facilities would be strengthened for better understanding the diseases patron and role of the pharmaceutical products in improving health and productivity.

Institute of Clinical Sciences: The existing disciplines and resources available for teaching and research in Reproduction, Medicine, Surgery and allied disciplines; these facilities would be strengthened for meeting challenges faced by the farming and business communities, generation of self-employment and production of hygienic food for the local people and export.

Faculty of Animal Production Sciences

Institute of Dairy and Meat Sciences: The existing Department of Livestock Management will be upgraded to the Institute of Dairy and Meat Sciences and would take care of advances in dairy science, management systems, breeding studies, management innovations, stress management and farm automations

Institute of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences: The existing Department of Animal Nutrition would be upgraded to Institute of Animal Nutrition and would take care of exploring indigenous feed resources, fattening trials, alternate feed resources and industrial application of nutrition sciences

Institute of Poultry and Wildlife Sciences: The existing Department of Poultry Sciences would be upgraded to Institute of Poultry Sciences and would take care of broilers and layers production, quails breeding and farming, turkeys farming, ducks farming, rabbits farming, worm meals studies, enzymes application in poultry feeds and fortified eggs production

Faculty of Dairy Science Park

Department Products Technology: The existing Dairy Technology Center will be added with a Meat Technology Center and will be upgraded to the status of Department of Products Technology under the Faculty of Dairy Science Park; responsible for teaching and research on dairy/meat/eggs products, covering nutrients analysis and quality parameters

Department of Biorisk Management: The existing biorisk management initiated through the Zoonosis Information Resource Center and Zoonotic Disease Laboratory sponsored by the Relief International and the Pakistan Biorisk Curriculum sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories USA, will be upgraded into the Department of Biorisk Management under the Faculty of Dairy Science Park. This Department will take care of teaching and research in biorisk management and develop quality standards for livestock and poultry farms, processing facilities and marketing outlets.

Department of Entrepreneurship and certification: This Department will comprise the University Feed Mill, University Dairy Farm, Regi Town Slaughter House under construction by the provincial government and other potential activities of the Faculty and provincial Government/private sector. The Department will work on teaching, research and development of feasibility models for self-employment of youth and hygienic food production for the people. This Department will collaborate with the Dairy Science Park Society and its registered partners, the sister Departments and private sector/development organizations, to evaluate the registered enterprises for profitability, quality parameters, Halal standards, supporting commercial-lization and certification.

CPEC Vision: DSP envisions KP and northern areas of Pakistan and the adjoining areas of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and China into a food export base. For this purpose satellite campuses of the University will be established at Kashgar, Gilgit, Bannu, and Gwadar. Partnership will be established with local investors, corporate farmers and processors to initiate joint ventures.

Academic Programs

The Existing Faculties will continued the DVM/MSc Hons/PhD degrees, already in place. New degrees may be introduced as per society needs and availability of resources; Postdoc in various disciplines with sufficient academic standing